If you’re looking for a warm, comforting dish that’s both wholesome and incredibly simple to make, this Easy Vegetable Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a vibrant medley of fresh vegetables simmered to perfection in a savory broth, delivering a delightful combination of flavors and textures with every spoonful. Whether you’re new to cooking or just want a quick, nourishing meal, this soup is a wonderful go-to that brightens any day with its fresh ingredients and cozy appeal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this soup lies in its straightforward ingredients, each chosen to bring a balance of flavor, texture, and color to your bowl. Simple pantry staples and fresh veggies come together effortlessly to create a dish that’s both delicious and wholesome.
- Onion: Adds a sweet and savory foundation that enhances the overall flavor of the soup.
- Carrots: Bring a natural sweetness and lovely orange hue that makes the soup visually inviting.
- Celery ribs: Provide a subtle crunch and a fresh, aromatic base note.
- Garlic cloves: Give a punch of fragrant warmth that elevates every bite.
- Zucchini: Offers a soft texture and mild flavor that blends perfectly with other vegetables.
- Diced tomatoes (canned): Add a tangy depth and rich color to brighten the broth.
- Vegetable broth: The savory liquid that ties all the ingredients together with a hearty essence.
- Dried thyme: Sprinkles just the right touch of earthy herbiness.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance all the flavors.
How to Make Easy Vegetable Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Base Vegetables
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat and adding your chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Gently cook these vegetables until they’re tender and fragrant, which usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. This step builds the flavorful base for your soup, softening the veggies and releasing their natural sweetness.
Step 2: Add the Remaining Ingredients
Next, toss in the diced zucchini, canned tomatoes along with their juices, and the vegetable broth. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, then season with salt and pepper according to your taste. Stir everything well to combine the layers of flavors before bringing the pot to a gentle boil.
Step 3: Simmer to Perfection
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let your soup simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully while the vegetables become tender without turning mushy. Keep an eye on it and give it an occasional stir to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom.
Step 4: Ready to Serve
After simmering, your easy vegetable soup is ready to enjoy! Serve it hot straight from the pot and get ready to savor that comforting, fresh-from-the-garden goodness.
How to Serve Easy Vegetable Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Add a fresh touch by topping your soup with chopped parsley, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil. These little additions add depth, texture, and a burst of color to every bowl.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, warm dinner rolls, or a simple green salad. The bread soaks up the rich broth perfectly, making your meal more filling and utterly satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in rustic bread bowls or ladle it over cooked grains like quinoa or couscous for a heartier meal. You can also puree part of the soup for a silky texture and stir in cream or coconut milk for a richer flavor profile.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your soup, let any leftovers cool completely before transferring them to airtight containers. Stored in the fridge, the soup will keep its vibrant flavors for up to 4 days, making for easy and wholesome lunches or dinners during the week.
Freezing
This Easy Vegetable Soup Recipe freezes beautifully. Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some room for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing much of its fresh taste or texture, perfect for meal prep or unexpected busy days.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen soup overnight in the fridge or warm refrigerated leftovers gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens, simply add a splash of water or broth to restore the perfect consistency before serving.
FAQs
Can I use other vegetables in this soup?
Absolutely! This recipe is wonderfully flexible; feel free to add green beans, peas, bell peppers, or whatever veggies you have on hand to make it your own.
Is this soup suitable for vegans?
Yes, this Easy Vegetable Soup Recipe is completely vegan as long as you use vegetable broth and avoid any animal-based toppings or additions.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
You can! Simply sauté the base vegetables on the stovetop first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours for a hands-off, flavorful meal.
How thick is this soup?
This recipe yields a light, broth-based soup rather than a creamy or thick stew. You can adjust the texture by reducing the broth or blending some of the cooked vegetables if you prefer something heartier.
What can I add to make this soup more filling?
Adding cooked beans, lentils, diced potatoes, or a handful of pasta or grains can bulk up the soup and make it a more substantial meal without compromising the fresh vegetable flavors.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like a bowl of homemade Easy Vegetable Soup Recipe to warm your soul and nourish your body. Its simplicity is its charm — fresh ingredients, simple steps, and a satisfying flavor that feels like a hug in a bowl. I genuinely hope you give this recipe a try, and make it a regular part of your kitchen rotation for effortless, healthy comfort food.
Print
Easy Vegetable Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This easy vegetable soup is a wholesome and comforting dish, perfect for a quick and nutritious meal. Loaded with fresh vegetables like onion, carrots, celery, zucchini, and tomatoes, simmered in flavorful vegetable broth with herbs for a savory taste that warms you up.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery ribs, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 zucchini, diced
Liquids and Canned Goods
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 4 cups vegetable broth
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté vegetables: In a large pot over medium heat, add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, chopped celery, and minced garlic. Cook them until they are softened and fragrant, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
- Add remaining ingredients: Add the diced zucchini, canned diced tomatoes with their juice, vegetable broth, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the soup: Raise the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and vegetables to cook through.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- You can add other vegetables like green beans, peas, or potatoes to vary the soup.
- For a creamier soup, blend part or all of it before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This soup is naturally vegan and gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
